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Director's Message
As emergency managers, our job is to educate our communities about existing hazards and risks and how to prepare for them. One emerging risk from the Eastern European conflict is potential cyberattacks. Recent advisories published by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) reveal that Russian state-sponsored threat actors are targeting several industries and organizations in the U.S., ranging from COVID-19 research, governments and election organizations to energy, video gaming and critical manufacturing.
Threat actors try their best to capitalize upon the anxiety, fear and emotion many people experience during uncertainty. We must ensure we are providing resources and information to help individuals, families, communities and companies make good decisions to protect themselves. When it comes to cyber hygiene, every Oregonian can and should take simple steps to protect themselves online. Here are four things each of us can do to keep ourselves cyber safe:
- Implement multi-factor authentication on accounts – this makes it 99% less likely to get hacked.
- Update software; turn on automatic updates.
- Think before clicking. More than 90% of successful cyber-attacks start with a phishing email.
- Use strong passwords and ideally a password manager to generate and store unique passwords.
Public and private sector organizations should review their emergency response and continuity of operations plans (COOP) to verify they have procedures identified to respond to a cyber incident. Organizations should identify the systems or entities they are critically dependent on and verify those entities are also reviewing and updating their COOP.
CISA recommends all organizations adopt a heightened posture when it comes to cybersecurity; the agency has compiled several resources with best practices and free cybersecurity services and tools to help reduce exposure to threats.
If something seems wrong, report it. When cyber incidents are reported quickly, the information can be used to provide assistance and prevent other organizations from falling victim to a similar attack. Report incidents to CISA at central@cisa.dhs.gov or 888-282-0870; or the FBI at CyWatch@fbi.gov or 855-292-3937. Always report incidents in the workplace to the IT department.
The landscape of our work and the hazards we face is ever-changing. Let’s continue to work together to educate our communities to keep them safer and reduce our shared risk.
Take care of yourselves and take care of each other. Andrew Phelps, Director, Oregon Office of Emergency Management
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Grant Money Available for Fire Hardening
Oregonians whose homes or businesses were lost or damaged in a wildfire during 2020 may be eligible to receive more than $6,000 in grant money for fire hardening their home or business. Fire hardening describes steps that can be taken to make a home or business more resistant to damage from a wildfire, like using materials for siding or roofing that resist ignition during a wildfire, installing fire resistant windows to protect openings, or using attic ventilation devices to help reduce ember intrusion. Fire hardening, along with creating defensible space, decreases the likelihood that a nearby fire will ignite a structure, and it reduces the potential for damage. Several local counties and the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) have created a fire hardening grant program to help people affected by the 2020 wildfires. The program will provide money directly to home and business owners who complete qualifying fire hardening improvements on their home or business that was damaged or destroyed. Learn more at oregon.gov/bcd.
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NSGP Technical Assistance Webinar
FEMA's Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) invites faith-based, community and nonprofit organizations to participate in a webinar from noon to 1 p.m. on April 1 to discuss the fiscal year 2022 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). The NSGP provides funding support through a competitive process for facility hardening and other security enhancements to nonprofit organizations at high risk of a terrorist attack. The program promotes emergency preparedness coordination and collaboration between public and private community representatives, as well as state, local, tribal and territorial governments. The webinar will provide an overview of the NSGP, including a recap of FY2021, and will cover physical safety and security with vulnerability self-assessment information and tools; what nonprofits should do now to prepare for the FY 2022 NSGP; and a moderated Q&A session. Visit fema.gov for more information and to register.
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EPA Telecommunications During Power Outage Webinar Series
The EPA has developed a Water Sector Guide to Telecommunications During Power Outages (to be published this spring) to help water utilities diversify their telecommunications plans and equipment and help ensure they can continue to communicate with employees, response partners and customers during a prolonged power outage. The agency is offering a two-part webinar series to provide an overview of some of the technologies, best practices, programs and services that water utilities can use to ensure continuity of communications. The first session, Communicating During Power Outages, will take place 10-11 a.m. on April 6. The second session, Telecommunications Resources and Services, will take place 10-11 a.m. on May 4. Register for both sessions at webex.com.
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USGS Solicits Project Proposals on Earthquake Hazards Science
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is currently soliciting project proposals for Fiscal Year 2023 grants on earthquake hazards science and is authorized to award up to $7 million. The Earthquake Hazards Program (EHP) encourages submission of new ideas that will provide more timely and accurate earthquake information, better characterization of earthquake sources, and a reduction in uncertainty for earthquake-hazard and risk assessments. USGS also seeks proposals that will help to mitigate earthquake losses and better inform the public about earthquakes and earthquake safety, such as earthquake early warning or other scientific efforts that will lead to reduced risk. Interested researchers can learn more and apply online at grants.gov.
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988 Will Route Callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Beginning July 16, a new three-digit phone number — 988 — will be available to everyone across the U.S. who is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Dialing 988 will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; until then, people can call the 24/7 National Suicide Hotline number at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text Oregon to 741741. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support. Starting July 16, when people call, text or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors who will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support and connect them to necessary resources. Visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org to learn more.
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Deadline Approaches for SBA Loans Due to Drought in Eastern Oregon
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small nonfarm businesses in Eastern Oregon of the April 27 deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses due to reduced revenues caused by drought in Baker and Malheur counties starting July 6, 2021. Small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disasters. These loans can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disasters’ impact. Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov.
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DLCD Community Listening Sessions for Wildfire Adapted Communities
Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) is holding a series of regional Community Listening Sessions to gather input from the public on ways to address wildfire risks in state and local land use planning programs. Feedback will inform recommendations for the statewide Wildfire Programs Advisory Council and Oregon Legislature to help modernize and improve community wildfire adaptation across Oregon. Sessions are set up by region, but the public may join any session. Registration is required; click on the requested date for a link to register. Learn more about wildfire adapted communities at oregon.gov/lcd.
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OHCS Seeks Public Input for Disaster Recovery and Mitigation Funding
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is looking for public input on what the priorities should be for spending $422 million in disaster recovery funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funds will come in the form of a Community Development Block Grant for disaster recovery and mitigation and will assist with the ongoing recovery from the 2020 Labor Day fires. OHCS invites anyone who is interested to take the short survey by April 4. The agency is especially interested to hear from those who were hit the hardest and who face the greatest challenges in recovery, including Latino/a/x neighbors, older residents and Oregonians who have specific housing needs due to disability or other circumstance.
- Oregon residents (or were at the time of the fires) can take this short survey (en español).
- People who work for or represent a tribal or local government or work with a non-profit organization like a Long Term Recovery Group or another agency that is assisting fire survivors, can take this survey.
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CoCoRaHS Seeks Backyard Weather Observers
The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow (CoCoRaHS) Network is a grassroots volunteer network of backyard weather observers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation in their local communities. The group aims to provide the highest quality data for natural resource, education and research applications by using low-cost measurement tools, stressing training and education, and utilizing an interactive website that maps out observations in real time. Observations give scientists an ever clearer picture of where and how much precipitation falls throughout our communities. The only requirements to join are an enthusiasm for watching and reporting weather conditions and a desire to learn more about how weather can affect and impact lives. Learn more at CoCoRaHS.
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Wildfire Risk Reduction Webinar
The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is offering an online webinar sharing actions people can take to prepare for and protect their home from wildfire. The webinar will take place 6-7 p.m. on March 31. Register in advance at eventbrite.com.
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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CAREERS |
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OEM: 9-1-1 Program Analyst (Information Systems Specialist 5). Apply at Workday by March 30.
OEM: 9-1-1 GIS Database Analyst (Information Systems Specialist 3). Apply at Workday by March 31.
OEM: Regional Mitigation & Recovery Coordinator (Program Analyst 3) – Douglas County. Apply at Workday by April 4.
OEM: Regional Mitigation & Recovery Coordinator (Program Analyst 3) – Clatsop County. Apply at Workday by April 4.
OEM: Regional Mitigation & Recovery Coordinator (Program Analyst 3) – Umatilla County. Apply at Workday by April 4.
Multnomah County: Emergency Management Planner. Apply at Workday by April 14.
City of Hillsboro Public Information Officer: Economic and Community Development Department. Apply at governmentjobs.com by April 17.
City of Hillsboro Public Information Officer: Parks & Recreation Department. Apply at governmentjobs.com by April 17.
OEM Chief Audit Executive (Internal Auditor 3). Apply at Workday by April 18. Conference call for all interested applicants from noon-1 p.m. on April 7 via Zoom (Meeting ID: 853 5713 7617, Passcode: 657814).
OEM Strategic Planner (Operations & Policy Analyst 4). Apply at Workday by April 19. Conference call for all interested applicants from 11 a.m. to noon on April 5 via Zoom (Meeting ID: 845 3490 3650, Passcode: 347551).
Douglas County: Emergency Services Manager. Apply at governmentjobs.com (no closing date).
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OEM has produced several graphics to help message preparedness. Click on the image and save as a picture, then post, share or embed as needed! You can find additional images on OEM's Facebook and Twitter pages. |
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Total Federal Share of Public Assistance Disaster Funds Obligated to be Spent in Oregon
DR4499—COVID-19: $375,734,407 DR4519—2020 Flooding: $2,751,834 DR4562—2020 Wildfire: $356,685,629 DR4599—2021 Ice Storm: $6,069,976
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Want something included in Weekly Watch? Submit items by Friday morning to be considered for the following Monday's report. Send to OEM Public Affairs at public.info@state.or.us. |
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